President Donald Trump is set to issue an executive order as early as Thursday, instructing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take all necessary steps to close the U.S. Department of Education. According to a draft obtained by NPR, this move aligns with Trump’s long-standing vision of shifting education oversight back to individual states.
The White House initially signaled its intent in early February but delayed official action until after McMahon’s confirmation. With the Senate confirming McMahon on Monday, the administration is pushing forward with plans to dismantle the department, a move that has sparked debate among Republicans and Democrats alike.
Trump’s Justification for the Closure
According to the draft executive action, the Department of Education has spent over $1 trillion since its founding in 1979 without significantly improving student achievement in reading and mathematics.
“Controlling American education through federal programs has failed our children,” the draft states.
Data from The Nation’s Report Card, a key measure of U.S. student performance, supports mixed claims. While reading scores have remained relatively stagnant since 1992, mathematics proficiency saw improvement before the pandemic. However, COVID-19 disruptions caused major setbacks, leaving many learning gaps unresolved nearly five years later.
What Happens Next?
Despite the executive order, completely dismantling the department requires congressional approval. The department was established by Congress, meaning its responsibilities are protected by law and cannot be dissolved without significant legislative backing.
Trump’s order directs McMahon to act “to the maximum extent appropriate and permitted by law.” However, with a divided Congress, passing such a measure would likely require bipartisan support and at least 60 Senate votes to overcome a filibuster.
Concerns Over Education Funding and Civil Rights Protections
One of the biggest concerns regarding the closure is its impact on federal education funding, particularly for low-income students and those with disabilities. Federal funds account for about 10% of public school budgets, primarily through Title I for underprivileged communities and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
McMahon has reassured lawmakers that the administration does not intend to cut these funds. Instead, she suggested that such programs could be administered by another federal agency, such as the Department of Health and Human Services.
The department also enforces civil rights protections in schools, a role that could be jeopardized by its dissolution. The Trump administration has already warned K-12 schools and colleges receiving federal funding to eliminate Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) programs or risk losing financial support. The Office for Civil Rights’ future remains uncertain.
Early Moves to Reduce the Department’s Footprint
The Trump administration has already taken steps to scale down the Education Department. In recent weeks, it eliminated multiple research grants under the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), which investigates best teaching practices and student outcomes. Programs focused on improving math learning and assisting students with disabilities in transitioning to the workforce were among those cut.
Additionally, the administration has laid off dozens of probationary employees and placed others on paid leave due to their involvement in DEIA programs. This reduction in staff aligns with broader efforts to shrink the federal workforce.
Political and Public Reaction
The push to close the department has left even some Republicans divided. While conservative lawmakers have long criticized federal involvement in education, many support federal programs benefiting their constituents.
Polling suggests that a majority of Americans oppose eliminating the department. An NPR/PBS News/Marist poll from late February found that 63% of respondents were against shutting it down, while 37% supported the move.
Historically, House Republicans have attempted to dismantle the department but lacked the votes to succeed. With the GOP holding narrow majorities in Congress, the likelihood of achieving full closure remains uncertain.
The U.S. Department of Education, one of the smallest federal agencies with approximately 4,200 employees, is now at the center of a political firestorm. While Trump’s executive action signals his administration’s determination, legal and legislative hurdles make the full dismantling of the department a formidable challenge.
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